Gift wrapping

Last month, the Design Week blog thoughtfully brought you a guide to the best pop-up shops to peruse for that special gift for your loved ones.

As we pointed out back in mid-November, even the fact you were thinking about what to buy people for Christmas at such an early stage is commendable.

If, however, a combination of snow, laziness and disorganisation has meant you’re still no closer to completing your gift gathering, never fear.

If, like us, you’re now feeling that familiar rise of panic having bought absolutely diddly squat yet, this weekend’s East London Design Show may well have the solutions.

East London Design Show

This annual event showcases (hopefully) something for everybody, including glass, ceramics, jewellery, women’s and men’s fashion and accessories, children’s clothing and toys, stationery, homewares and furniture.

Margaret Quon

Much of this year’s work is inspired by the capital itself, with illustrator Vic Lee’s depictions of Kingsland Road and Broadway Market; textiles designer Gina Pierce’s Whitechapel and Spitalfields references and homeware designer Michelle Mason’s tube rout cushions and London us route mugs.

And if your weary, cold fingers can’t even face the idea of wrapping said gifts, the Fabrications stand offers a ‘sustainable gift wrapping service’, using vintage scarves to make your gifts even prettier.

Gina Pierce

These eco-friendly folk will also be holding recycled Christmas decoration workshops, where you can try your hand at making snowball tree decorations, and creating pom-poms from recycled white plastic bags.

People will always need plates

For vintage lovelies, Janie Lawson will be holding a fascinator workshop where you can make beautiful headgear to leave you all prepped and ready to go for the Royal Wedding next year.  Or, perhaps, the office Christmas party.

For the kids, Creative Charlie will be on hand with children’s Christmas decoration making workshops.

East London Design Show is at Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street, London EC1V, 3 – 5 December, Friday from 12 to 8pm and on Saturday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

Admission costs £5 for adults, concessions £3 and accompanied children 15 and under are free.

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